Fig Tree Farm, established in 1896 and opened to the public in 2020, has become a beloved community hub in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. The farm spans 126 hectares and offers a wide array of amenities, including eateries, retail stores, and event spaces, making it a popular destination for families and food enthusiasts. The addition of four Padel courts, which opened on June 29, 2024, was intended to further enhance the farm’s offerings by introducing a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide.
The site for the Padel courts was carefully chosen to maintain the farm’s aesthetic and natural landscape. Located on the gently rolling hills of Hillcrest, the courts are arranged in a cascading manner down the hillside, creating visually interesting spaces between them. This layout not only respects the topography of the site but also allows the courts to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The design by GAPP Architects & Urban Designers emphasizes harmony with the farm’s rustic charm, utilizing rough natural materials, weathered textures, and muted tones that contrast with the sleek glass surfaces of the courts.
The architectural approach aimed to create structures that, while modern in function, feel at home within the farm’s traditional setting. The roofs of the courts are designed to echo the barn-like structures found elsewhere on the property, with a nod to the traditional gable roof silhouette. To soften the visual impact of these structures, translucent polycarbonate sheeting was used for the roof and sides, lending the courts a light, ethereal quality. This choice of materials ensures that the new facilities enhance rather than detract from the farm’s historic character, providing a cohesive yet contemporary addition to Fig Tree Farm.
